The Rolex Datejust Reference 16233 with a ‘Champagne Linen’ Dial

By Gavin Galiardo

The Rolex Datejust is widely considered a perfect everyday watch. The stainless steel Datejust is a true testament to the utility of a Rolex watch. However, the two-tone Rolex Datejust is often overlooked or even dismissed! In recent years the two-tone community has come under fire. Purportedly these models are not rugged enough for the all steel sports junkies and lacking the ‘flex’ associated with an all gold Rolex.

I would argue that the Datejust may be the quintessential watch for mixed metals - it shares half its DNA with the Sport watches in steel, and the other half with the refined precious metal watches like the Day-Date. Half utility and half luxury with the formality of an 18K yellow gold fluted bezel, crown and Jubilee bracelet links, the two-tone Datejust stays in its own lane, and does its own thing. It is also a watch equipped for daily hassles with water resistance for the beach, pool and boat (or torrential downpour if you are in Florida). 

Rolex Two-Tone Datejust Ref. 16233

This specific Datejust reference 16233 is a clean and unpolished example, even retaining the original caseback sticker, original papers and a hangtag. It features a highly attractive “champagne” linen dial. If for no other reason at all, how cool is “champagne linen”? Sounds like my ideal Friday night. These dials are seen in the 1970s and were produced until the 1990s. In my view, these are among the most interesting Datejust dials out there.

This style is certainly one from the past. While there are plenty of contemporary two-tone offerings from Rolex, they do not look like this and they aren’t making any more of these. The condition of this watch is about as good as it gets, with a great unpolished case, green case-back sticker and the Rolex papers. There are many different lanes to go with this watch, and many different characters to be while wearing it. After spending some time with this 16233, the two-tone Datejust has grown on me. I’ve found over the last week that two-tone has proven to be a much more versatile choice than I had previously imagined. Yes, the gold may slightly diminish the Datejust’s sport nature, but it also elevates it slightly into a more formal, and sophisticated timepiece. Depending on personal style, those elements can be played up or down.